Hey everyone. I'm not getting voltage to the small post on my starter solenoid. All the other posts are getting about 12.5 volts except for the power side small one. Not sure if I'm using the right terminology but please bear with me. Does this mean the solenoid is bad or is it a wiring issue? When I try to turn the engine over it just clicks like crazy but once it's attached to a jump box it starts right up. Any one have any ideas on how I can fix this? Thank in advance.

Ted

 

The 2 small terminals on the front are marked S and I. In a stock wiring harness, the S terminal (start) receives 12V when the ignition switch is in the start position.

The I terminal (ignition) is only powered when the solenoid is engaged and provides a full 12 volts to the coil while the engine is starting. Once the key is returned to the ON position, the ignition power goes through the resistor wire and only provides 9 volts to the coil.

So, which posts did you take the measurements from and what were the circumstances (i.e key position)?

Also, this thread may belong in the forum specifically for electrical problems rather than the slick forum.

 

I took measurement from all the terminals and the "S" is not getting any voltage in either key position(on/off). I put in a new solenoid and still no power to the "S" side. Just not really sure what else it could be.

 

The S terminal is not supposed to get powered except when the key is all the way to START, not in the ON position. Otherwise your starter would stay engaged.

If the I terminal is hot (measured with the brown wire disconnected) any time other than when the starter is engaged, something is wrong and you should replace the solenoid.

 

what they said. sounds to me like you might have a fuse blown

 

I put in a new solenoid today and still nothing. No blown fuses either. Only turns over when connected to a jump box. I'm not a great wrench kinda guy but I'm trying. Might be in over my head on this one.

 

so if you hook up another vehicle or a jump start box it cranks over? if thats the case test your battery it might need charged or its bad

 

yes sir it does. I just bought a new battery 2 weeks ago.

 

are the cables tight? if so charge it and then test it

 

yes they are. I actually have a marine battery in there. It's what the guy had in it before I bought it and it seemed to run fine.

 

probably just dead. did you leave something on like the lights or the key?

 

I guess I'll try a new battery. Nothing else left to try. I didn't know that the "s" terminal was supposed to read zero until it's on the start position. My battery is also not holding a charge now.

 

Surprise, surprise you guys were right. I had a dead battery that wouldn't hold a charge. I swapped it out today and it started right up. Thanks for all your help.

 

I think you might have something else going on there. I knew your battery was bad just from what you put in your first post. You mentioned clicking = bad or dead battery. When using a jump box and it starts, pretty much means a battery problem.
Here is my thought. You said you got a new battery two weeks ago -and it has to be replaced again...? What kills a battery that fast usually means there might be a constant drain on the battery or your Alt is not doing it's job. If you have a meter, remove a battery cable and hook the meter between the battery post and the cable end, and see if you have a power draw.
OR, have you had your Alt checked?

 

I originally thought it was the alternator so I replaced that last weekend as well.